The latest statistics show 4.9 billion people in the world use social media. By the end of 2022, 86% of global users were 18 to 29 years old. A report by UNESCO shows there are 235 million university students globally. Most of them are 18 to 24 years old and are active users.
It aids them in improving their learning and research experience. Students form online study communities. They post questions and get answers from other learners. They connect with their teachers and get help whenever needed. Despite the many pros of social media in education, it has cons too.
Pros of Social Media in Education
Teaching and learning should go beyond the classroom. It should also go beyond specific institutions. Teachers need to be in constant touch with their students. There needs to be strong learner collaboration across universities. Here are different reasons why is social media good for education.
Helps in Research
University students at any degree level get engaged in various research projects. They are charged with essays, research papers, or coursework. The papers are part of college education and test several things. One of the common topics given is the pros and cons of social media for students. Before writing, they can get ideas from an essay on pros and cons of social media available on EduZaurus. The website contains many other paper examples useful for teaching students.
Social media helps in research through various platforms. They could be blogs, or different websites. The learner may ask other platform members about a specific topic. The answers give them ideas about the websites to visit. From the answers, they get the right information to use in their research.
Enhances Learning
Various types of information are posted on social platforms daily. Experts in various fields post stories, articles, and documentaries. The posts help learners get the latest information on different topics. A learner studying geology can get links to documentaries covering geology topics. Schools create social media platforms that help enhance learning. There are many social media pros and cons for students. When used responsibly, the benefits exceed the bad side.
Building Student Collaboration Across the World
In the past, it was hard for learners in different universities to collaborate. Today, learners understand well why is social media good. They can engage in discussions with students across the world. Not every learner is active in asking questions in the classroom. After the classroom, they can connect with colleagues online and ask questions. The platforms can bring together students from different research universities for a research project. It has proved to be an excellent collaboration tool for learners.
Improves Student-Teacher Engagement
Studies show strong student-teacher engagement improves the learning experience. It creates a positive learning environment where learners are eager to learn. Teachers stay eager to teach. The result is positive learning outcomes.
One of the ways to enhance engagement is to use social media in education. Learners can ask teachers all personal questions they cannot in the classroom. Teachers give learners notes and homework or answer questions through the platform.
Cons of Social Media in Education
There are different pros and cons for students. Learners need to create a balance so that they get maximum benefits from the platforms. Here are reasons why is social media bad for education.
It Can Affect Study Time
The platforms are good, but only when used correctly. Everyone involved needs to understand social media pros and cons for students. They should then work harder to reap more benefits. Sometimes students spend too much time on the platforms. It can negatively affect learner study time and, thus, performance.
It Can Be a Source of Cyberbullying and the Spreading of Hatred
Students might use social media as a tool to harass, humiliate, or threaten others. Harassments may include posting rumors, demeaning images, or texts. Pew Research Center reports that cyberbullying is on the increase. 59% of teenagers who use the platforms experience cyberbullying.
Possibility of Experiencing Scams
One of the major reasons why is social media bad is scams. Students could lose their money through scams. This can happen when signing up for apps and websites. Most learners do not quickly differentiate between genuine sites or apps, or scams.
Cyberattacks
Earthweb reports social media phishing attacks are on the rise. 12% of the attacks involve clicking phishing URLs. The main purpose of phishing attacks is to steal personal data. Attackers seek to control users’ social media accounts. They may use them to post ads or inappropriate content.
Conclusion
There are many social media pros and cons for students. It can be useful in enhancing research, collaboration, and learning. It can boost student-teacher collaboration, which improves eagerness to learn. Social media in education can be a source of bullying. Learners could be scammed or experience serious cyberattacks. Learners need to balance the use of the platforms. It should provide them with maximum benefits and minimum disadvantages.
